How are we with arithmetic with negative numbers?

At this stage we need to be confident to do all four types of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) with negative numbers.

With multiplication and division we can check the sign of each of the numbers in the calculation and follow a simple rule to decide what sign the answer of the calculation should have.

With addition and subtraction, we can use a number line, either written out, or in our “mind’s eye”.

Let’s look at some examples with our teacher showing how a number line can help us when adding or subtracting and a simple rule can help us with multiplying and dividing.

Exercise

The questions on negative numbers below are mixed together in the form of three short sets of 20 questions (from pages 342 and 343 of the core textbook).

The answers are below: